Well we made it to the end of 2024! Join us as we take a moment to look back on the year that was and our favorite records that came along with it. Denzel Curry – King of the Mischievous South The Cure – Songs of a Lost World Fontaines DC – Romance Other Diggins Shabaka – Perceive It’s Beauty, Acknowledge It’s Grace (2024) Soft Play – Heavy Jelly (2024) The The – Ensoulment (2024) Gillian Welch and David Rawlings – Woodland (2024) Lunar Effect – Sounds of Green and Blue (2024) Mac Leaphart – Mot...
Dec 23, 2024•52 min•Ep. 272
Ho, ho, ho Nerds! Pour yourself some eggnog and join us for a nostalgic look back on a trio of records that we grew up listening to during the holiday season. Hope you’re having a fun, safe and warm holiday! Alvin and the Chipmunks – A Chipmunk Christmas (1981) Nat King Cole – The Christmas Song (1960) Richard and Karen Carpenter – A Christmas Portrait (1978) Other Diggins Hamish Hawk – A Firmer Hand (2024) Nala Sinephro – Endlessness (2024) Clay Aiken – Christmas Bells are Ringing (2024) The Po...
Dec 16, 2024•41 min•Ep. 271
Folk music does a great job of telling the stories of people of a particular time and place. That’s likely why it had a resurgence in the 1950s and 60s during times of social and political unrest. On today’s show we explore influential albums of the mid-century folk revival and of course sprinkle in plenty of bad folk puns and Dylan impressions. Joan Baez – Joan Baez (1960) The Kingston Trio – The Kingston Trio (1958) Bob Dylan – Bringing it All Back Home (1965) Other Diggins The Red Clay Strays...
Dec 09, 2024•43 min•Ep. 270
New Wave music funneled together a diverse range of sounds from 70s punk, pop and electronic music to form something original and distinctively 80s. Join us as we discuss albums from this classic era of popular music. Blondie – Parallel Lines (1978) The Psychedelic Furs – Forever Now (1982) Devo – Freedom of Choice (1980) Other Diggins Civerous – Maze Envy (2024) Megan Thee Stallion – Megan (2024) Mk.gee – Two Star & The Dream Police (2024) Duo Pleyel – Yuletide Treats (2024) Amyl and the Sn...
Dec 02, 2024•41 min•Ep. 269
From curated popular music selections to original works specifically created for a film, great soundtracks have the power to elevate scenes, guide audience emotions, and sometimes become enjoyable listening experiences on their own. Pull up a comfy chair, grab some popcorn and join us as we share some of our favorite movie soundtracks. Various Artists – Pulp Fiction Soundtrack (1994) Various Artists – Stand By Me Soundtrack (1986) Various Artists – The Crow Soundtrack (1994) Other Diggins Mabe F...
Nov 25, 2024•45 min•Ep. 268
Growing up ain’t easy, but we all gotta do it. Luckily we have great music to get us through the trials and tribulations of coming of age. Join us as we discuss three albums that deal with the journey of youth to adulthood. Kendrick Lamar – Good Kid, M.A.A.D City (2012) Arcade Fire – The Suburbs (2010) Tears for Fears – Songs from the Big Chair (1985) Other Diggins Lupe Fiasco – Samurai (2024) Primal Scream – Come Ahead (2024) Mogwai – The Bad Fire (January 24, 2025) Ben Folds – Sleigher (2024) ...
Nov 18, 2024•46 min•Ep. 267
Feeling the need to break some stuff? Some classic punk rock might be just what you need. Raise a fist in the air and join us as we discuss 3 classic albums from punk rock’s beginnings. Buzzcocks – Another Music in a Different Kitchen (1978) Wire – Pink Flag (1977) Stiff Little Fingers – Inflammable Material (1979) Other Diggins Villagers – That Golden Time (2024) Peter Perrett – The Cleansing (2024) The Cure – Songs of a Lost World (2024) Jimmy Fallon – Holiday Seasoning (2024) New Skeletal Fac...
Nov 11, 2024•43 min•Ep. 266
Prince certainly has inspired his share of artists, but on this episode we dig into some of the artists and albums that inspired him. Besides the clear funk lineage, we also draw comparisons to folk and blues rock artists that Prince was a fan of. Join us as we pay homage to the forces that gave us the purple one. Funkadelic – Maggot Brain (1971) Joni Mitchell – Blue (1971) Santana – Santana (1971) Other Diggins Better Lovers – Highly Irresponsible (2024) Goat – Goat (2024) Pixies – The Night th...
Nov 04, 2024•44 min•Ep. 265
Few genres have influenced rock music as much as the blues. From it’s humble beginnings in the 19th century American South, incorporation with R&B and Soul music in the 60s, to its strong influence on 70s rock, its hard to separate the blues from modern day music. Join us as we discuss 3 of our favorites from some of the all-time top blues albums. Magic Sam – West Side Soul (1968) The Rolling Stones – The Rolling Stones (1964) Otis Rush – Right Place, Wrong Time (1976) Other Diggins Richard ...
Oct 28, 2024•50 min•Ep. 264
The leaves are changing and pumpkin spice has infiltrated everything, so it must be time to scare ourselves with some sinister album selections. Join us as we discuss 3 of our favorite spooky albums to help get you in the Halloween spirit. Mwahahaha! The Cramps – Songs the Lord Taught Us (1980) Duran Duran – Danse Macabre (2023) Type O Negative – Bloody Kisses (1993) Beth Gibbons – Lives Outgrown (2024) Charli XCX – Brat and Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat (2024) The Chest...
Oct 21, 2024•52 min•Ep. 263
The 80s were a definitive decade for hip-hop music. New production techniques and expanded lyrical content helped to push the genre towards the mainstream. Join us as we explore 3 albums from hip-hop’s golden era. Dana Dane – Dana Dane with Fame (1987) Boogie Down Productions – By All Means Necessary (1988) Beastie Boys – Paul’s Boutique (1989) The Mavericks – Moon & Stars (2024) Mildlife – Chorus (2024) Joe Jonas – Music for People Who Believe in Love (October 18th) Steve Howe – Guitarscape...
Oct 14, 2024•47 min•Ep. 262
AHHHH! Every once in awhile you gotta get it out. Music is a great release for anything that might make you angry. On today’s show we explore three albums that deal with anger in different ways. Scream into a pillow and join us for a little music therapy. Machine Head – Burn My Eyes (1994) Pink Floyd – The Final Cut (1983) Hole – Live Through This (1994) Judith Hill – Letters from a Black Widow (2024) Kasmasi Washington – Fearless Movement (2024) The Cure – Songs of a Lost World (November 2024) ...
Oct 07, 2024•53 min•Ep. 261
1984 had tons of iconic cultural moments – Gremlins and Ghostbusters hit theaters, the summer Olympics were in Los Angeles, and the Cosby Show and Miami Vice debuted on TV. Join us as we revisit two of the top selling albums from this year. Culture Club - Colour By Numbers (1984) Van Halen - 1984 (1984) Ours – New Age Heroine (2024) The Crazy World of Arthur Brown – Self Titled (1968) Midland – Barely Blue (2024) Keane – Hopes and Fears (2004) What do you think of these records? What’s your favo...
Sep 30, 2024•37 min•Ep. 260
Feel the power… of words! Great lyrics have a way of cutting to the heart of our emotions, beliefs, and cultural values. Join us as we discuss a pair of records that smacked us in the face with their powerful lyrical punch. Taylor Swift – The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology (2024) John Lennon – Imagine (1971) Mac Leaphart – Motel Breakfast (2024) Stone Temple Pilots – Purple (1994) Nancy Grandits Sabatini – Song Therapeutics & Playlists to Empower Your Life (2022, book) Haircut One ...
Sep 25, 2024•37 min•Ep. 259
Final albums are often last grasps at fame and money, but on occasion they serve as a fitting capstone to a band’s career. On today’s show we explore two final albums that we think send these legendary artists off on a good note. Sam Cooke – Ain’t That Good News (1964) The Police – Synchronicity (1983) Crypt Sermon – The Stygian Rose (2024) Meco – Music Inspired by Star Wars and Other Galactic Funk (1977) Can’t Stand Losing You: Surviving the Police (2012) Post Malone – F-1 Trillion (2024) What ...
Sep 16, 2024•37 min•Ep. 258
Drums have been a part of music for thousands of years, which is probably why it’s so hard to imagine modern day music without them. On today’s show we discuss what it takes to be a legendary drummer and some of our favorite drummer-focused records. Rush – Moving Pictures (1981) Slipknot – Vol. 3 (The Subliminal Verses) (2004) Fontaines D.C. – Romance (2024) R.E.M. – Automatic for the People (1992) Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds – Wild God (2024) Hundred Watt Heart – New Unknown (2022) What do yo...
Sep 09, 2024•39 min•Ep. 257
Many worthy records never receive the recognition they deserve. Promotion, timing and accessibility often get in the way of great art finding its way to the people that might appreciate it the most. On today’s show we talk over two album gems from bands that never broke through. Despite being truly outrageous. Talk Talk – Spirit of Eden (Don) Brad – Shame (Dude) Dennis Wilson – Pacific Ocean Blue (1977) Kate Pierson – Radios and Rainbows (Sept 20) Lainey Wilson – Whirlwind (2024) Various – Elect...
Sep 02, 2024•36 min•Ep. 256
Some albums are love at first listen, but other’s take a bit more time to reveal their true value. Whether it’s a bad first listen, miss-placed expectations or just being the wrong age – some albums take time to love. Join us as we discuss some of our favorites. Death Grips – The Money Store (Andy) The The – Mind Bomb (Don) Green Day – Dookie (Dude) The Smashing Pumpkins – Aghori Mhori Mei King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard – Flight b741 Duran Duran – Red Carpet Massacre (2007) Heavy MakeUp – He...
Aug 19, 2024•46 min•Ep. 255
What better way to put a bow on the Summer of Don then to talk about one of his favorite records – The Beach Boy’s landmark album Pet Sounds. Join us as we try to decipher Brian Wilson’s genius and discuss the record’s significance today. The Beach Boys – Pet Sounds Jpegmafia – I Lay Down My Life For You Meshell Ndegeocello – No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin Action Bronson – Johann Sebastian Bachlava The Doctor Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats – South of Here The Heavy Heavy –...
Aug 12, 2024•33 min•Ep. 254
Drop the needle on the Album Nerds podcast - and our sweet, sweet trailer!
Aug 08, 2024•55 sec
The Who helped define the formula for the prototypical classic rock band. Their 1971 album Who’s Next is a large part of what earned them that status. Join us as the Summer of Don shines it’s rays down on this seminal classic rock album. The Who – Who’s Next Lava La Rue – Starface Hakushi Hasegawa – Mahōgakkō Denzel Curry – King of the Mischievous South Vol. 2 Gillian Welch & David Rawlings – Woodland (Aug 23) Empire of the Sun – Ask That God Carl Perkins – Dance Album of Carl Perkins (195...
Aug 05, 2024•34 min•Ep. 253
With a title like Blood Sugar Sex Magik, you might expect the music to be graphic, loud and a little weird – and you wouldn’t be wrong. The Chili Peppers 1991 effort with producer Rick Rubin is stuffed with lots of big ideas, sounds and personalities. Join for a discussion on the landmark record as we rejoin our regularly scheduled Summer of Don, already in progress. Red Hot Chili Peppers – Blood Sugar Sex Magik Madeleine Peyroux – Let’s Walk Soft Play – Heavy Jelly Akhlys – House of the Black G...
Jul 29, 2024•34 min•Ep. 252
Happy mid-new-year-ish! We’re taking a short break from the Summer of Don to look back on the first half of 2024. Join us as we highlight some of our favorite new releases. Shabaka – Perceive It’s Beauty, Acknowledge It’s Grace Les Amazones d’Afrique – Musow Danse The Decemberists – As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again The Brother Brothers – The January Album Pearl Jam – Dark Matter The Lunar Effect – Sounds of Green and Blue Adrianne Lenker – Bright Future Pet Shop Boys – Nonetheless The Black C...
Jul 22, 2024•48 min•Ep. 251
Bowie’s final studio album left us all a bit speechless when it came out back in 2016, just a few days before his passing. Join us as we regroup and take a closer listen to the record and discuss its impact. There’s a blackstar shinning in the night sky, as the Summer of Don rolls on. David Bowie – Blackstar Nadine Shah – Filthy Underneath Kneecap – Fine Art James Blake, Lil Yachty – Bad Cameo Urban Heat – The Tower Robyn Hitchcock – 1967: HOW I GOT THERE AND WHY I NEVER LEFT (Book) Truck Violen...
Jul 15, 2024•37 min•Ep. 250
Springsteen’s landmark 1984 album Born in the USA has become an iconic piece of American culture. The album art and long series of hits were hard to escape in the mid-80s and still play a part in modern day society. Join us as we discuss the album and some other things we’ve been digging on. Turn on the grill and break out the SPF – the Summer of Don shines on! Bruce Springsteen – Born in the USA Been Stellar – Scream from New York, NY Linda Thompson – Proxy Music Rich Ruth – Water Still Flows V...
Jul 01, 2024•37 min•Ep. 249
Stevie Wonder had a pretty amazing stretch of albums during the early 1970s. One of our favorites from the period is 1973’s Innervisions. We talked about it a bit a few years ago, but the Summer of Don has given us a chance to talk about it a bit more. Stevie Wonder – Innervisions Caroline Shaw – Rectangles and Circumstances Ulcerate – Cutting the Throat of God John Cale – POPtical Illusion The Cactus Blossoms – Everytime I Think About You Elvis Presley – Sunrise Brats (documentary by Andrew McC...
Jun 24, 2024•35 min•Ep. 248
Pearl Jam’s debut record became an iconic part of the alternative rock (yes, grunge) movement of the early 1990s. Their anthemic hooks, flashy guitars and emotive vocals made them fan and media favorites. Join us as we look back on the album, the era and how it all holds up after three decades. The Summer of Don shines on! Pearl Jam – Ten Joey Valence & Brae – No Hands Bat for Lashes – The Dream of Delphi Goat Girl – Below the Waste The Decemberists – As it Ever Was, So it Will Be Again Pixi...
Jun 17, 2024•38 min•Ep. 247
Sade’s debut record Diamond Life stood out from the rest of the 1984 musical landscape in the US and UK. Join us for a discussion on the landmark album as well as some other records we’ve been enjoying. The Summer of Don rolls on. Sade – Diamond Life La Luz – News of the Universe Aespa – Armageddon – The 1st Album Nathy Peluso – Grasa Big Head Todd and the Monsters – Her Way Out Winter Aid – Pull the Sky Inside The Wrecking Crew (2008 film) Basterdane – Catatonic Symphony The Props – Echoes/Get ...
Jun 10, 2024•33 min•Ep. 246
Chris Stapleton’s debut record back in 2015 was influential both on the podcast’s musical taste and on the future of country music. It helped expand our palettes and pushed the genre forward. Join us as we revisit the record and discuss our thoughts after all these years – the Summer of Don carries on! Chris Stapleton – Traveller Joywave – Permanent Pleasure Childish Gambino – Altavista Shellac – To All Trains Everyone’s Getting Involved: A Tribute to Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense The Beach B...
Jun 03, 2024•37 min•Ep. 245
What better way to kick-off the Summer of Don then to talk over a record that has a bit of a special place on the show. The Doors final release, LA Woman, served as a bookend to their celebrated career and a goodbye to the city that shaped them. Join us as we discuss the record and some other things we’ve been digging on. The Doors – LA Woman The Lemon Twigs – A Dream Is All We Know Broadcast – Spell Blanket Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats – Nell’ ora blu The The – Cognitive Dissident Randy Travi...
May 27, 2024•32 min•Ep. 244
